Many speak out against Maine education budget

AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) - Teachers, school administrators and students have expressed their opposition to Gov. Paul LePage's education budget.

They warned the Legislature's Appropriations and Education committees on Monday about school budget cuts, teacher layoffs and more students packed into classrooms.

A proposed shift of liability for teacher retirement costs from the state to school districts drew the most negative reaction.

Dick Durost of the Maine's Principal Association called the governor's budget "lacking in responsibility."

He warned that shifting retirement costs to the local schools, combined with the end of revenue-sharing to local communities, puts local taxpayers "in a no-win situation" of either raising taxes or cutting education programs.

Brunswick fifth-grader Everette Gillis says there are already more kids in his class and his teachers are buying their own supplies.

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